Magic vs. Cavs: What Has Gone Wrong for Orlando?

The Orlando Magic’s first playoff run since 2019 hasn’t gone well so far after losing the first two road games to the Cleveland Cavaliers, putting them in a 0-2 hole as their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series shifts to Orlando for Game 3 and 4.

The Magic looked like the inexperienced, and at times, confused team many analysts expected them to be in this playoff matchup against a much-seasoned Cavaliers squad.

Cavs vs. Magic Numbers

The Magic shot 32.6 percent from the field in Game 1 and 36.3 percent in Game 2, which are way below their 47.6 FG% during the regular season.

The Magic are holding the Cavaliers to 97.0, 15 points below regular-season averages of 112 points.  On the other hand, Orlando is averaging 83.0 points in the playoffs, 27 points less than their regular-season average of 110.0 points per game.

The Magic are shooting 21.6 percent from the 3PT territory. Orlando shot better during the regular season at 35.0 3PT%.

Top and Worst Performers

Paolo Banchero is putting up solid numbers in his first playoff appearance, posting 24 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Game 1 and 21 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in Game 2. Unfortunately, his inexperience playing in a playoff atmosphere has been exposed by the Cavs as he committed 15 turnovers between Game 1 and Game 2.

Franz Wagner is also playing well in his playoff debut. He recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in Game 1 and followed it with 18 points, seven rebounds and two assists in Game 2.

Cole Anthony, who averaged 11.6 points on 42.5 FG%, hasn’t made a field goal yet in the series. He only scored four points on 0-for-7 shooting in Game 1 and zero on 0-for-4 clip in Game 2.

Donovan Mitchell has torched the Cavaliers in the first two games, averaging 26.5 points on 56 FG% with 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

The Magic will host Game 3 (April 25) and Game 4 (April 27) of the series. Orlando is 29-12 at Kia Center, while the Cavs are 22-19 on the road during the regular-season.